"Echo Cognitio" is a sculpture by Joseph Wesner donated to The Honors College by Ann and John Nicholson. "Echo Cognitio" (Cog-ni-ti'-o) means echo of knowledge.

About The Honors College

The Honors College at Oakland University is designed for highly motivated students seeking a rich, valuable and challenging undergraduate education. Honors College students are typically high achievers who want to think and question. Small classes that average 10 to 20 students allow for more interaction between the professor and other students in an intimate and intellectually friendly atmosphere.

The Honors College offers a specially designed core of general education courses in art, literature, western civilization, international studies, social science, mathematics, logic and computer science, and natural science and technology. Students can select courses of specific interest in different disciplines during their Honors College experience.

All Honors College courses satisfy Oakland University’s general education requirements. Honors College students work toward completing the Honors College core in conjunction with a departmental major. Additional benefits: Honors College students get priority (first-day) registration beginning the second semester of their freshman year and if enrolled in a program in the College of Arts and Sciences the distribution requirement is waived.

History of The Honors College

Over the years, more than 5,000 students have enrolled in The Honors College. The Honors College currently has about 315 students. History Professor Mel Cherno helped create The Honors College and was its first director from 1977 – 1980. At that time, The Honors College had 36 students and offered one class in both fall and winter semesters. The Honors College also introduced the first colloquium, a capstone course on futurism.

In its 25-year history, The Honors College has had only four directors. When Cherno left the program, Robert Howes, professor of history, held the position from 1980 to 1985. Brian Murphy, professor of English, became The Honors College director in 1985 and stayed a record 16 years. Jude Nixon, professor of English, was appointed director in early 2002.

As current director of The Honors College, Nixon wants to expand the curriculum across and within all majors, increase the rigor of the program, add a community service component and continue to build the endowment. Nixon also plans to increase the racial, ethnic and economic diversity of The Honors College.

Honors College alumni succeed and share

OU Honors College graduates work in industry, government, arts and academia.

"One of the most memorable events was in 1988 when former Michigan Gov. G. Mennen Williams taught a leadership class," said Julie Granthen, a 1982 OU Honors College graduate and volunteer. "This made people realize that an important role of The Honors College is to train leaders." Granthen earned her law degree and currently is a professor at Oakland Community College and a part-time instructor at OU.

"The Honors College makes a big impact on students’ lives," Granthen said. "A recent survey found two-thirds of Honors College students go on to higher education, earning one or more graduate degrees.